Why History at Longwood?

Longwood University offers prospective majors in History a rich tradition in both teaching and scholarship. Students enjoy the distinct advantage of close association with individual faculty members who not only are committed to undergraduate instruction but also are productively engaged in significant research in their fields.

Small Classes = Personal Connection

Classes, especially at the upper level, are small. Because of the relatively low student-faculty ratio, history majors are assured of ample opportunity for personal contact with faculty outside the classroom, a benefit not always available at larger institutions.

Full Time, Qualified Faculty

The department has nine full-time history faculty, all of whom hold the Ph.D. degree. Collectively, they are among the most productive in the University in research and publication, even though they carry full teaching loads and serve as faculty advisors to department majors. They are the authors of numerous books and articles and have presented scholarly papers in a variety of state, regional, and national forums. Notwithstanding these interests, however, Longwood's historians remain acutely aware that the education of Longwood students is their principal responsibility. In fact, department faculty have won a large number of teaching awards throughout the last several years.

Strong Academics

Finally, and most importantly, the department is dedicated to providing challenging academic programs and an educational experience of high quality. The academic demands are substantial, but so are the rewards.

Career Opportunities

Although history majors at Longwood have traditionally trained for careers in public education, opportunities in both the public and private sectors offer attractive alternatives to qualified graduates. These include governmental departments, offices, and agencies at all levels; the foreign service and international organizations and agencies; the military services; and private organizations, firms, and corporations.

History majors often find that employers are seeking people proficient in the skills emphasized in the study of history: the ability to think critically, a strong background in research and organization, and the ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written formats.

Public History Fields

Other career opportunities for history majors can be found in the rapidly growing field of Public History. Majors may find interest in pursuing careers in historic archaeology; historic preservation and restoration; library, museum, and archival work; editing and publishing; consulting; and genealogical research.

Majors will also find opportunities in such diverse fields as business and industry, journalism, law, communications, and public relations.